Brian McDermott, who previously guided the Leeds Rhinos to multiple championships, has been named the new head coach of the England national rugby league team. The appointment comes as England prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will be staged in Australia later this season. McDermott steps into the role after serving as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, succeeding Shaun Wane, who resigned in January following England’s 3‑0 defeat in the Ashes series. In his first public remarks, McDermatok expressed both pride and determination: “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of England head coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
My focus now is on creating an environment where players can perform with confidence, represent the shirt with pride, and give themselves the best chance of going deep into the tournament.” He added that his hands‑on approach and attention to detail would be central to his tenure, emphasizing the need to raise standards, instill belief, and ensure the squad is prepared for the crucial moments of competition. The selection panel that chose McDermott was composed of former player Kevin Sinfield, newly appointed Rugby Football League (RFL) non‑executive director Sara Symington, interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku, and RFL chair Nigel Wood.
RFL executive director of performance and participation Marc Lovering also provided support during the process. The panel evaluated a shortlist that included Sam Burgess, Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley.
Wood praised McDermott, saying he “emerged from an outstanding field of candidates” and highlighted the thoroughness of the selection procedure. Wood further noted McDermott’s credentials, describing him as “the most successful coach in Super League history.” He pointed to McDermott’s record of building strong, cohesive teams and his prior experience as an international coach, which equips him to manage players drawn from a variety of clubs. Wood also highlighted McDermott’s current involvement in the NRL, which gives him daily exposure to many of the opponents England will face, while his extensive network within the Betfred Super League will help secure the best possible preparation for the national side. McDermott’s résumé is impressive.
He led the Leeds Rhinos from 2011 to 2018, overseeing four Grand Final victories and the celebrated “golden generation” treble in 2015—a team that featured legends such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire. After leaving Leeds, he took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack, guiding them to promotion into the Super League in 2019.
A brief stint with Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the world to the NRL, where he has served as an assistant coach with the Newcastle Knights and, most recently, the Gold Coast Titans. The RFL confirmed that McDermott will announce his full coaching staff “in due course,” signalling that the recruitment process for assistants, analysts and support personnel is still underway.
The governing body also reiterated its commitment to providing the England team with the resources needed to compete at the highest level. Beyond the coaching appointment, the announcement coincided with several updates for fans. Sky Sports confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, offering two exclusive live fixtures each round and covering the remaining five games weekly on its main channel.
The broadcaster also highlighted its continued partnership with the league, ensuring that supporters can follow the action from start to finish. For those interested in additional rugby league content, the RFL reminded audiences of its streaming options, the “Bench” podcast hosted by Jenna and Jon, and a suite of up‑to‑date news articles covering the sport’s latest developments. In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment marks a new chapter for England rugby league.
With a proven track record of success at both club and international levels, a deep understanding of the game’s tactical nuances, and a network that spans the UK and Australia, McDermott is positioned to lead the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup with confidence and ambition. The upcoming months will see him assemble his coaching team, implement his vision for the squad, and begin the preparation that could see England contend for the coveted title on Australian soil.